In the national news of the Democratic Republic of Congo, we learned of the detention of Salomon Kalonda Idi Della, special and political adviser to Moise Katumbi. This arrest took place on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at the premises of the military intelligence staff. According to the information obtained, three charges were brought against him: incitement of soldiers to commit acts contrary to duty and discipline, illegal possession of arms and munitions of war and attack on the internal security of the state.
During his hearing by the military intelligence services, Salomon Kalonda Idi Della denied all the charges brought against him. Despite this, he has been detained since then, without having been transferred to his natural judge.
On the side of his political family and his allies, his arrest is considered a maneuver by the Félix Tshisekedi regime to harm Moise Katumbi and his relatives. It is important to point out that Salomon Kalonda Idi Della was arrested at Ndjili airport on his way to Lubumbashi with Moise Katumbi after having organized public demonstrations against the regime of Felix Tshisekedi.
Faced with the long period of detention of Salomon Kalonda Idi Della, the military intelligence staff claims to be in compliance with the law and to have the authorization of the public prosecutor to extend the period of detention. Indeed, the seriousness of the alleged facts would justify, according to them, such an extension.
On the other hand, the political alliance of Moise Katumbi believes that this arrest aims to intimidate the political opposition and discredit it, while the country is going through difficult times politically and economically.
The case of Salomon Kalonda Idi Della raises several questions about the conditions of preventive detention and the independence of justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although everyone must answer for their actions before the courts, it is imperative that this be done in strict compliance with human rights and the law.